The Levinia Crooks Emerging Leader Awards were first introduced in 2018, as a way of honouring Levinia’s impressive legacy and contribution.
These awards are extremely important for future succession planning and are intended to help identify our rising stars and future leaders within the sector.
Dr. Skye McGregor is an epidemiologist from the Kirby Institute (UNSW) and is an emerging national and international leader within the sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs) sector.
As lead of the Surveillance Innovation Group at the Kirby Institute, Skye oversees analyses of the national STI and BBV surveillance data and the development of annual surveillance reports – including the HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmissible infections within Australia.
Her research routinely informs national policies relating to HIV, HPV, STIs, and hepatitis C and B. Much of Skye’s research is focused on priority populations, where she works in collaboration with affected groups, including peak national organisations. Her ability to develop partnerships and foster relationships has ensured her work is developed, implemented, and evaluated in collaboration with key government, community, and research stakeholders.
Skye’s research provides evidence for changes in epidemiology and is focused on STI and BBV public health efforts in Australia, crucial for understanding progress towards elimination. She has also achieved significant policy and health impact through her body of research – including contributing to recent TGA changes to HIV self-testing and an evaluation of the national HPV vaccination program.
A considerable component of Skye’s research also focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sexual health and includes working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, health services, and communities, as well as mentoring and capacity building for emerging Aboriginal researchers.
As the winner, Skye had the opportunity to present to delegates at the conference, her thoroughly informative and entertaining presentation titled “STI and BBV surveillance innovations in Australia – a partnership approach”.
It’s important we recogonise the other outstanding nominees for this year’s award. Our adjudication panel was thoroughly impressed by the amazing work and commitment of all our nominees:
- Matthew Bacon – WA Dept. of Health
- Teddy Cook – ACON Health
- Luke Coffey – QLD Positive People
- Skye McGregor – The Kirby, UNSW
- Alexandra Wade – Mid North Coast Local Health District
- Katiska Davis – Aboriginal Health Council of WA
